"I'm always one of the youngest at all of my competitions so it's a bit surreal being the senior," she said of the event, which sees competitors aged 12 to 20.

"Some of the other athletes asking for photos with me - it's very different, but I'm happy sharing my experiences of London 2012 with them."

Golf will be included in the Olympics for the first time come the 2016 Rio Games and, in preparation, there is a youthful British line-up at the festival, which includes European junior number one Georgia Hall.

"It is a real honour to be one of the very first golfers to represent Team GB," said 16-year-old Hall, who will be the team's flag-bearer during Wednesday's opening ceremony.

Media playback is not supported on this device

Weightlifter Zoe Smith on 'rollercoaster' 18 months

"When golf was added to the sport programme for Rio I was really excited as it has always been my dream to compete at an Olympics."

Hall continued that her "main goal" in Sydney would be winning gold, but added: "I want to learn from other athletes because golf is an individual sport and it can be a bit lonely so I'm looking forward to being part of a team".

From the two previous visits to the festival, in 2007 and 2009, 35 British athletes from 12 sport disciplines have graduated to become Olympians, 17 of whom went on to win Olympic medals.

"The AYOF will play an important role in introducing these athletes to an environment reminiscent of the Olympic Games," said Team GB chef de mission Mark England.

"They will also have the opportunity to develop their understanding of the Olympic ideals and I'm confident it will help them bridge the gap between youth and senior international representation."